The Pope spoke out against war and injustice in his New Year message at the Vatican

Vatican watcher John Allen wrote on his blog: “It’s the first time Francis has asked that a specific image be circulated in the holiday season, suggesting he believes its message is especially relevant at the moment.”

The Pope has previously condemned nuclear weapons and highlighted the impact of conflict on children.

Today he told worshipper’s in Rome war an injustice had spoiled 2017 as he prayed for better in the year to come.

He said in his New Year address: “We humans in so many ways ruined and hurt it with works of death, with lies and injustices.”

Francis also called for more action to help refugees, and said people should jettison life’s “useless baggage” and avoid the “banality of consumerism” and “empty chatter”.